The key to strengthening your immune system is to practice healthy habits such as exercising regularly – the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that healthy adults be active for 150 minutes throughout the week – frequently washing your hands, drinking lots of H2O, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and minimizing your response to life’s daily stressors. Taking an immune boosting supplement is also ideal.
Immune Boosting Supplements
Probiotics
Probiotics may do more than support healthy digestion and, in turn, a strong immune system. Check out the potential health benefits of these live microorganisms. Probiotics are found in products such as fermented foods (e.g., yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha), dietary supplements, and even dark chocolate. Topical products are available for skin care as well. Because not all probiotics provide the same benefits, it is important to really do your research to find the best product for you. The health professionals at Healthy Habit Health Foods can help guide you in the right direction.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a role in over 300 different enzyme reactions. Particularly important is its relationship with the immune system. While found in a wide range of foods, both plant and animal, most people do not meet NIH’s daily recommended values. These are based on age and gender. NIH also provides symptoms of magnesium deficiency. If your physician diagnoses you as having low magnesium, you can boost your intake with an over-the-counter supplement like magnesium glycinate.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, plays an important role in immune functionwhich can help you fight back against common colds. Because of this, vitamin C is beneficial during flu season. It also supports several other systems. Good sources of vitamin C include fruits and vegetables and dietary supplements. Intake recommendations for this essential dietary nutrient are 90 mg (males over the age of 19) and 75 mg (females over the age of 19). Children and teens also require specific levels of vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can go a long way in supporting your overall wellbeing, yet according to research, more than a billion of the world’s population have a vitamin D deficiency. This is a condition linked with softening of the bones in children and adults, as well as several other diseases. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms can range from mild to severe. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to check the levels of this “Sun Vitamin” in your blood. Supplementing with vitamin D can help you achieve recommended dietary allowances for your age and gender.
Your Neighborhood Health Foods Store
Healthy Habit Health Foods is committed to selling nutritionally sound, environmentally conscious, organic products to support your healthy way of life. Stop by today! We are conveniently located on 7th Street and Bethany Home Road. Our store hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday. We are also open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. Make sure to tune into KFNX 1100 each weekday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM for our Healthy House Call Radio Show with hosts Dan Koontz, Nutritionist and Jaime Boyacheck, RN.
